
<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina’s </a>preparations for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> concluded with a friendly thumping of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, 5-0. The Albiceleste enter the tournament as one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy. </p>



<p>Head coach Lionel Scaloni, though, is far from set in his bid to lead the side to its third World Cup. He must figure out how to replace the injured Giovani Lo Celso in the Argentina starting eleven.</p>



<p>The Villareal star played an integral part of the squad since Scaloni took over in 2019. However, he sustained a hamstring injury with muscle tear that ended any chances of his participation in Qatar. The nimble left footed midfielder was left with no other option than to finally <a href="https:\/\/mundoalbiceleste.com/2022/11/09/gio-lo-celso-to-undergo-surgery-on-thursday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">undergo surgery</a>. He vacates a massive hole for Argentina in the middle of the park.</p>



<p>Lo Celso formed a great understanding with Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul in the midfield three controlling the game and dictating possession for the South American side. Scaloni had earlier mentioned that the 26-year-old is irreplaceable ‘footballing wise.’ Now, the injury forces a replacement for the irreplaceable.</p>



<h2>Potential Giovani Lo Celso replacements for Argentina</h2>



<h5>Enzo Fernandez</h5>



<p>The 21-year-old is having a terrific season in Benfica. Now, a host of European giants, including <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a>, keep <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11408801/Manchester-United-Benfica-star-Enzo-Fernandez-January.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">close tabs</a> on the Argentine. Fernandez fits perfectly in Scaloni’s preferred 4-3-3 system. Surely, he is among the top players to consider for a place in the starting eleve. </p>



<p>He has played a stellar role for Benfica, who are unbeaten in the domestic league. Plus, Benfica finished top of <a href="https:\/\/www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/standings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a vaunted Champions League group</a> that included PSG and Juventus.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇦🇷 Enzo Fernández is the most valuable U25 player from outside Europe&apos;s top 5 leagues, as per CIES Football. 💰⭐️ <a href="https:\/\/t.co/fbsAGbAsrK">pic.twitter.com/fbsAGbAsrK</a></p>— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/AlbicelesteTalk/status/1589746786054594561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>One of Lo Celso’s biggest strengths was his ability to link up with Messi in the final third. It is a key component of Argentina’s current unbeaten run hitting 35 fixtures. While the Benfica starlet plays in a deeper role, he has excellent ball retaining capability with an envious passing range. </p>



<p>Should the Benfica player start, this could mean that Rodrigo De Paul plays a little further forward when Argentina are in possession.</p>



<h5>Alexis Mac Allister</h5>



<p>Another player who could rightfully claim a place in the starting eleven would Alexis Mac Allister. Like Enzo, Mac Alliser is having a great season at Brighton. The 23-year-old played second fiddle to Pascal Gross at times. Yet, this season, he has been a real revelation for Roberto de Zerbi.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alexis Mac Allister for Brighton:<br>⚽️ 5 goals<br>👕 14 games<br><br>Alexis Mac Allister last season for Brighton:<br>⚽️ 5 goals<br>👕 33 games <a href="https:\/\/t.co/BbUeRQfKVL">pic.twitter.com/BbUeRQfKVL</a></p>— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/RoyNemer/status/1591830722637139972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Mac Allister has been the anchor for the Premier League side and rarely makes a poor pass. He also has an eye for the goal and is adept at taking set pieces. Essentially, he can seamlessly fill the void Lo Celso thrived on. </p>



<p>Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, has coincidentally played with Argentina’s cult hero Diego Maradona at Boca Juniors in the early 1990s during the latter’s second stint with the club side.</p>



<p>Mac Allister started the friendly against the United Arab Emirates alongside Paredes and De Paul. Eventually, Enzo Fernandez also featured. </p>



<h5>The others</h5>



<p>Having been placed in <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">Group C</a> with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia, it feels as if Scaloni will change his starting eleven depending on the opposition. </p>



<p>Messi and company start their campaign against Saudi Arabia. Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez is a fit if Argentina decide to use a more attacking lineup. The 34-year-old is primarily a winger. Therefore, the Albiceleste will line up in a 4-2-3-1. </p>



<p>Exequiel Palacios of Bayer Leverkusen is another option for Scaloni who shone in his last Bundesliga game against VFB Stuttgart. He picked up an assist as his side won, 2-0. </p>



<p>Guido Rodriguez could be a formidable option, too. Rodriguez can play as a central defensive midfielder. Leandro Paredes can occupy a holding role while de Paul pushes up into an advanced role. Guido Rodriguez also played a substitute role against the United Arab Emirates.</p>



<p>Argentina begins its World Cup conquest against Saudi Arabia on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">Tuesday, Nov. 22</a>.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


As Giovani Lo Celso misses out on the World Cup through injury, we look at possible replacements that Argentina can use in that role.

Potential Argentina replacements for pivotal Giovani Lo Celso

featured


<p>Argentina is dreaming of reclaiming the <a href="https:\/\/www.worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022">World Cup</a> trophy for the third time in their great history. </p>



<p>The weight of the world rests upon Lionel Messi’s shoulders to deliver success for the Argentina National Team. Even for the greatest player in football history, the burden is great to hold. Over the past ten years, players of La Seleccion have felt anguish and despair after numerous failures on the world’s biggest stages.</p>



<h2>Argentina’s turnaround</h2>



<p>Last summer Messi and all of Argentina felt the long-awaited feeling of glory and accomplishment after <a href="https:\/\/www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/argentina-beat-brazil-1-0-win-copa-america-2021-07-11/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winning the 2021 Copa América</a>. It was a beautiful scene. At the final whistle, the entire team swarmed Messi in jubilation.  </p>



<p>Argentina has been on an incredible <a href="https:\/\/www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/argentina-unbeaten-run-italy-world-record-streak-messi/bmcsegbknr7e0comxmoojrtf#:~:text=With%20their%20latest%20dominant%20showing,longest%20in%20international%20football%20history." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">35-game unbeaten streak</a> since the 2019 Copa America 3rd place finish. They finished second in the Conmebol World Cup Qualifying with an 11-6-0 record. </p>



<p>It’s fascinating looking back at the journey of La Albiceleste. They have come from being a team lost of direction, a revolving door of failing managers, and a retiring Messi, to now the team with arguably the best spirit and togetherness of any team entering the World Cup. </p>



<p>Undoubtedly, Luis Scolani deserves a ton of credit for transforming the team since he took charge in 2018. Messi now finds himself with warriors alongside him. They help to shoulder the burden of Maradona’s lingering shadow and the great Argentine teams of yesteryear.</p>



<h2>Group C</h2>



<p>Argentina is an interesting blend of individual players because they are a team in many respects without many big names, but also with the biggest superstar in football history sprinkled on top. </p>



<p>Argentina landed in Group C including the likes of Saudi Arabia (51st ranked by FIFA), Mexico (13), and Poland (26). It is not an easy group by any means, but one you’d expect Argentina to top. There are many great nations in the World Cup that Argentina will have to defeat to reach their dreams.</p>



<h2>Individual players vs team collective</h2>



<p>When you look at the team sheets of other nations, it is a daunting sight from an Argentine perspective. There are other countries with many more top-producing European club players in the Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League than Argentina has in their squad. </p>



<p>The question will be, can Argentina’s collective unit and team spirit paired with the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi overcome the cumulative individual talent of the top nations such as France, Brazil, and Belgium? </p>



<p>It will be a huge challenge, but if Argentina continues to play at their unbeaten streak level, they can beat anyone. They have the opportunity of a fairy tale ending to the career of the little genius, Lionel Messi.</p>



<p>P<em>hoto credit: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Read our Argentina team preview to find out more details about Albiceleste and their chances at World Cup 2022.

Argentina World Cup team preview - World Soccer Talk

Argentina World Cup team preview


<p>Argentina have unveiled their squad for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> in Qatar which is just over a week away. Coach Lionel Scaloni named a strong 26-man roster choosing from the well settled core of players as the La Albiceleste enter the tournament as one of the hot favorites. </p>



<p>The headlines and cameras will all on be Lionel Messi as the diminutive left footed magician enters his fifth and possibly his last World Cup aiming to win the biggest prize in World Football. The 35-year-old has 19 games across the last 4 World Cups, 2 behind cult hero Diego Maradona.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 OFFICIAL: The list of the players who will represent Argentina at the World Cup 2022! 🇶🇦 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/zahHdImVoA">pic.twitter.com/zahHdImVoA</a></p>— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/AlbicelesteTalk/status/1591083126746648576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Scaloni took over from the disastrous reign of former coach Jorge Sampaoli, finishing third in 2019 Copa America. Argentina are unbeaten in 35 games across all competitions and are closing on Italy’s all-time record of 37. The South American side finished second in World Cup qualifying behind top placed Brazil but broke their duck of a long 28 year wait as they won the Copa America last year beating their archrivals at the Maracana. Scaloni also led his team to a fine 3-0 win over Italy in June in the Finalissima.</p>



<h4><strong>Defense</strong></h4>



<p>Argentina have a mixture of a strong core that Scaloni has accumulated ever since he took charge. Emiliano Martinez has been a calm presence under the sticks reminding shades of former goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea with his penalty shootout heroics against Colombia in the 2021 Copa America semi-final.</p>



<p>In defense Nicolas Otamendi and Cuti Romero have dominated the opposition forwards, rarely making mistakes. Lisandro Martinez, who has been the star of the season since joining Manchester United from Ajax provides a very able backup. Nicolas Tagliafico and Marcus Acuna man the left wing while Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel and Juan Foyth shore the right wing back role.</p>



<h4><strong>Giovani Lo Celso’s absence is a huge loss</strong></h4>



<p>Middle of the pitch is where Argentina will be heavily weakened as they miss out on influential creative midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who has been Scaloni’s favorite  since the 44-year-old has taken over. The Villareal player sustained a hamstring injury against Real Betis at the end of October and did everything he could to avoid surgery and travel to Qatar. However, with muscle tear and detachment, the silky left footed midfielder was left with no other option than to finally <a href="https:\/\/www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/giovani-lo-celso-faces-surgery-and-will-miss-world-cup.phtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">undergo surgery</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">(🌕) Giovani Lo Celso even informed Villarreal and Tottenham that if he would go to the World Cup without having surgery, he was willing to not to receive any salary for 2 months in exchange. <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/DiarioOle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiarioOle</a> 💰🇶🇦 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/d5OQbOrhXs">pic.twitter.com/d5OQbOrhXs</a></p>— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/AlbicelesteTalk/status/1590039837478121473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Even though Enzo Fernandez is a very able backup and is having a breakout season at Benfica attracting keen interest from several clubs including Manchester United, Argentina will miss Lo Celso’s link up ability with Messi in the attacking third. Moreover, Lo Celso had formed a great understanding with fellow midfielders Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul, the triumvirate which has been key to Argentina’s recent exploits. Alexis Mac Alister and Exequiel Palacios have shone for Brighton and Bayer Leverkusen, however neither brings the creative guile and silky dribbling ability of Lo Celso.</p>



<h4><strong>Paulo Dybala’s Miraculous Recovery</strong></h4>



<p>Even a week back, not everyone was sure on Paulo Dybala’s participation in Qatar. The 28-year-old has been sensational since joining Roma in the summer with five goals and two assists. However, when he left the pitch holding his leg in the 2-1 win over Leece, manager Jose Mourinho described that his star striker might miss the remainder of the year. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What Paulo Dybala has done to be able to recover for the World Cup:<br><br>• 5 hours of daily physical work<br>• Multiple kinesiology sessions<br>• RPR (infiltration of platelet-rich blood plasma)<br>• Strict diet<br><br>The one who deserved 💙 <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/PauDybala_JR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PauDybala_JR</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/KTvoYNB5mM">pic.twitter.com/KTvoYNB5mM</a></p>— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/AlbicelesteTalk/status/1591091389013843968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>However following a special recovery regime, the former Juventus sensation rightly earns his place in the team. Much was expected of Dybala in Argentina colors, and despite not living up to his credentials, he is that sort of player who can change a game on its head.</p>



<h4><strong>Expectations</strong></h4>



<p>Argentina have been placed alongside Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia in the group stages which they should be able to easily navigate. Messi and his band of merry men could then face Denmark and Netherlands in their knockout fixtures and winning both could see them line up against Brazil in the semis. Should they navigate their fellow continental rivals, Messi could be facing club team-mate Kylian Mbappe and France in the final. After all, who wouldn’t want Argentina’s number 10 to win the trophy following in the footsteps of the land’s greatest son Diego Maradona.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


It's official: The Argentina World Cup squad. The South American nation travel to Qatar as one of the favorites.

Argentina unveil World Cup squad - World Soccer Talk

Argentina unveil World Cup squad


<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina </a>banned nearly 6,000 supporters from attending stadiums at the upcoming <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a>. <a href="https:\/\/www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nearly-6000-argentine-fans-banned-stadiums-qatar-world-cup-2022-11-07/#:~:text=Nov%207%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20Violent,city%20government%20said%20on%20Monday." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reuters</a> is reporting that these people consists on violent offenders and citizens involved in illegal activity. Also, the same applies to those currently in debt for food dues.</p>



<p>Buenos Aires government officials issued a statement on Monday via radio about the ruling. “The violent ones are here and in Qatar. We want to bring peace back to football and that the violent ones are outside the stadiums,” the capital city’s Justice and Security Minister Marcelo D’Alessandro said in the interview.</p>



<p>“They were included for belonging to the ‘barras’ [violent fans], for participating in violent acts, for illicit associations such as ‘trapitos’ [banned street businesses], and for owing maintenance payments [from divorced parents],” D’Alessandro also added.</p>



<p>The Argentina official claimed that his country will be working with the Qatari government to enforce the policy. “As always in the World Cups, delegations of different police bodies [of the country] will be sent to work together with the Qatari security authorities,” said D’Allessandro.</p>



<h2>Argentina fans banned from attending World Cup in Qatar</h2>



<p>Argentina’s national security ministry previously agreed to cooperate with Qatar to keep these people out of the stadiums. The decision went final earlier this summer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Argentina fans already in Qatar for the World Cup. Via <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/gastonedul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gastonedul</a>. 🇶🇦🇦🇷<a href="https:\/\/t.co/igdCz9FthM">pic.twitter.com/igdCz9FthM</a></p>— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/RoyNemer/status/1589644640814534656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Also, D’Allessandro echoed that the rule applies to a number of fans watching matches in Argentina. The official stated that around 3,000 of the banned are “barrabravas” and cannot attend soccer games in their own country.</p>



<p>Argentina is currently one of the favorites to collect the World Cup trophy. Lionel Messi leads an Argentina side currently <a href="https:\/\/www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men?dateId=id13792" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ranked third</a> in the world standings. They will compete in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland. Argentina begin their World Cup tournament against Saudi Arabia on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">Tuesday, Nov. 22</a>.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>


The Argentina government has banned almost 6,000 fans from entering World Cup stadiums in Qatar due to a history of violent behavior.

6,000 Argentina fans banned from World Cup stadiums - World Soccer Talk

6,000 Argentina fans banned from World Cup stadiums


<p>A trailer for a new Netflix documentary surrounding the 2021 Copa America tournament in Brazil has been released. <em>Sean Eternos: Campeones de America</em> highlights <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina’s</a> historic run to the tournament title.</p>



<p>Perhaps most intriguing in the series, was the speech from Lionel Messi ahead of the Copa America Final against <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a>. The normally quiet superstar delivers an epic team talk that even took teammate Angel Di Maria by surprise.</p>



<p>“Before the start of each game, [Messi] spoke. But this last speech was different. He lost his mind,” Di Maria says in the documentary series.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Sean eternos: Campeones de América | Tráiler oficial | Netflix" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/zkmxFvWu8Bc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>The documentary has been released on Netflix Latinoamerica. Although obviously in Spanish, Juani Jimena (@JimenaJuani) on Twitter helped out with English subtitles.</p>



<p>“We already know what Argentina and Brazil mean,” started Messi. “I don’t want to say anything today, just thank you guys. Thank you very much for these 45 days. I told you on my birthday, we have made a beautiful group and I enjoyed it very much. Forty-five days where we traveled, ate, were locked up in hotels. Forty-five days without seeing our families, guys.”</p>



<p>The Argentina captain then goes on to say that two of his teammates had children recently and they have not yet been able to spend time with them. He talks about the sacrifice that they are dealing with.</p>



<p>“All for what? For this moment,” continued Messi. “Because we had a goal and we are very close to achieving it. And you know what the best of all is? That this depends on us. That’s why we’re going to go out on the pitch and we’re going to raise the cup. We are going to take it to Argentina to enjoy it with our family, and friends, and with those who have always supported us.”</p>



<h2>Messi inspires Argentina with Copa America Final speech</h2>



<p>Finally, Messi claims that God wanted the change of venue so that the Argentine’s can win the cup in Brazil. The tournament was moved out of Argentina because of the COVID-19 conditions in the country. </p>



<p>“The last thing, with this I finish: there are no coincidences guys,” proclaims Messi. “This cup was going to be played in Argentina, but God wanted it to be played in Brazil, so that we can it at the Maracana and make it more beautiful for all of us. So go out to the pitch confident and calm, we’ll take this cup home.”</p>



<p>It does not appear that the documentary series is available in the United States. However, <em>Sean Eternos: Campeones de America</em> is accessible in South America and Mexico. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage</em></p>


Lionel Messi delivers inspiring speech to his Argentina teammates prior to the 2021 Copa America Final against Brazil.

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